KURT ANGLE INDUCTION CEREMONY

4 days ago

On January 8th, 2025, in Albany, New York, the evening was filled with tears, laughter, and excitement among all attendees as they had the honor of witnessing a WWE Hall of Fame Superstar and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist receive his International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame ring and Bronze plaque. The International Professional Hall of Fame on the second floor of the MVP Arena was packed to watch this historic event.

Were you Seen at the 2025 induction ceremony for Kurt Angle and Bill Apter into the International Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame on Jan. 8, 2025, at the MVP Arena in Albany? Andrew Elder/Best Frame Forward

IPWHF President Seth Turner briefly conducted a tour with the evening's host Bill Apter and the inductee Kurt Angle on the gym floor of the arena, discussing key events in his career that occurred in Albany, NY, during his WWE days.

WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle and IPWHF President Seth Turner touring the MVP Arena. Photo credit: Andrew Elder/Best Frame Forward

Upon returning to the International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, President Turner guided Kurt Angle and Bill Apter past eager fans waiting in line to check into the private ceremony and continued with a private tour of the Hall of Fame.

Kurt Angle compared his hand to that of Andre The Giant and challenged President Turner to a memorable thumb wrestling match, with Bill Apter serving as the Special Guest Referee. Once all the private filming was completed, the doors opened for the exclusive induction ceremony for Kurt Angle and Bill Apter. Fans quickly filled the hall and witnessed history as Seth Turner explained the founding of the Hall of Fame and the design of the ring, which featured Kurt Angle's insignia and last name. Kurt Angle was also presented with a bronze plaque and a marker to write something on the back, which will be displayed on the Hall's wall.

Following the ceremony, as promised, Bill Apter broadcasted his next segment of "Apter Hours" live with Kurt Angle, delving into his past. They explored why and how he became a professional wrestler and a significant figure in the industry. Fans participated in a special Q&A session, asking numerous questions that created unforgettable memories, listened to heartwarming stories about Angle's family, and inquired if he had any past regrets or what he might have changed.

At the end of the night, inductees Bill Apter and WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle signed autographs and posed for numerous photos with the exclusive fan base present for the evening.